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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.